Fertility and sperm quality
What actually happens in the partner’s body during reproduction? Here we give information about sperm production up to ejaculation. We also reveal which factors reduce male fertility. A prerequisite for a natural pregnancy is the interaction of the male and female reproductive processes.
This is how sperm are produced
The sperm are produced in the tortuous ducts of the testicles and spend the initial period of their development there, i.e. about three months. A constant temperature of 35 °C is crucial for this development and maturing process. For this reason, the scrotum contracts when the temperature is low and expands when it is warm. Sauna sessions or hot baths can destroy the sperm that have already been produced, but have no effect on further production. Finally, the sperm reach the epididymis, where their final maturation takes place and where they are eventually stored. The sperm are now able to fertilize a female egg.
This is what happens when you have an orgasm
Muscle contractions during an orgasm cause sperm to travel from the epididymis through the vas deferens to the urethra and eventually exit the body. If the man has not ejaculated for a long time, the sperm in the body are broken down again or uncontrolled ejaculation occurs, also known as a “wet dream”.
More frequent sex affects fertility
Even though frequent sex reduces the amount and concentration of semen, it also reduces the number of defective sperm, of which there are always some in the ejaculate. Since they are severely restricted in their ability to move due to their deformity, they do not reach the egg cell. The chances of fertilization increase with the frequency of sexual intercourse. The mobility and quality of the sperm is more important than the quantity of the sperm.
Insufficient, deformed or immobile sperm
However, sperm only make up about 5% of semen. The rest of the seminal fluid is produced by the prostate and the so-called seminal vesicles and serves to improve the movement of the sperm cells. Normally, the ejaculate is whitish-milky to grey, but it can also have a yellowish tint. It has a volume of around two to six milliliters and contains at least 20 million sperm in a healthy man. Malformed and immobile sperm are quite normal. If their proportion exceeds certain limits, fertility is restricted. Other clues to infertility come from examining the color, smell, pH of semen, and the appearance, motility, and liveliness of sperm. With help of aA spermiogram can be used to determine whether the sperm cells deviate from the normal values.
Common causes of reduced sperm quality
About 50 percent of all causes for the unfulfilled desire to have children can be traced back to the man. Contrary to the false myths that cell phones, laptops or prolonged cycling affect male fertility, it has been proven that the fertilization ability of sperm decreases, especially when the partner smokes. Nicotine consumption reduces sperm count and sperm motility. The more cigarettes are smoked, the higher the sperm failure rate. If the man stops smoking, the chances of having a baby increase by about 30 percent.
In addition, wearing underwear that is too tight and very long car journeys with seat heating on should be avoided. These factors can lead to overheating of the testicles and thus also affect sperm quality.
More serious causes of male infertility (e.g. undescended testicles, globozoospermia, infections, genetic diseases and more) can also be found in our article “ Common Causes of Male Infertility ”. There we have also compiled further information on how other causes are diagnosed and treated.
Increase fertility and sperm quality
External influences such as stress, a very irregular and unhealthy diet or, as already mentioned, smoking, can reduce sperm quality. In contrast, a vitamin-rich diet contributescontribute to strengthening fertility. Especially natural foods such as vegetables, fruit, milk and whole grain products provide the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Canned goods, ready-made products and large amounts of alcohol should be avoided. Getting enough exercise and getting enough sleep is also important. Everyone reacts differently to stress and certain life circumstances. Relaxation techniques and conscious breaks from work can help to better manage this stress. The ability to enjoy and enjoy life should come first. A happy partnership and pleasurable sex have a strong influence on fertility.